Average Clinical Nurse Specialist Salary

$71.45/hour

The average salary for a Clinical Nurse Specialist is $71.45 per hour.

Last updated on May 8, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Last updated on May 8, 2024. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.

A Nurse holding a file folder

Clinical Nurse Specialist Career Guide

Use our exclusive Career Guides to research the education, qualifications, skills and responsibilities for a variety of healthcare disciplines and specialties employers are hiring now.

Go to the guide
Was this page helpful?

Get alerts about new jobs and salary trends

Be the first to know about new jobs for Clinical Nurse Specialists with the salary that suits you.

Featured Blog Posts

Open article Nurses Week 2024: Freebies, Deals and Discounts
Nurses Week Freebies and Discounts
Nurses Week 2024: Freebies, Deals and Discounts
The deals are here! Find free food and special offers as a thank you during Nurses Week, May 6-12.
Open article What Are the Nurse Licensure Compact States? (Updated April 2024)
Travel Nursing with the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
What Are the Nurse Licensure Compact States? (Updated April 2024)
The eNLC lets nurses practice in multiple states with a single license. Learn which states participate and how to qualify.
Open article What’s the Difference Between the eNLC and the APRN Licensure Compacts?
Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) versus the APRN Compact
What’s the Difference Between the eNLC and the APRN Licensure Compacts?
Learn why advanced practice nurses can’t practice under the eNLC to ensure compliance and protect your license.
See more Blog Posts

Clinical Nurse Specialist FAQs

What professional certifications can potentially increase my salary as a Clinical Nurse Specialist?

Clinical Nurse Specialist can specialize in several fields, so numerous certifications may potentially increase your salary or qualify you for roles with greater responsibilities and better wages. Several accrediting agencies offer numerous professional certificates by specialty, including:

  • AACN Wellness through Acute Care-Adult/Gero (ACCNS-AG)

  • AACN Wellness through Acute Care-Pediatric (ACCNS-P)

  • AACN Wellness through Acute Care-Neonatal (ACCNS-N)

  • ANCC Adult CNS-Board Certified (ACNS-BC)

  • ANCC Adult-Gerontology CNS (AGCNS-BC)

  • ANCC Pediatric CNS (PCNS)

  • AACN Acute/Critical Care CNS (CCNS-Neonatal)

  • AACN Acute/Critical Care CNS (CCNS-Pediatric)

  • AACN Acute Care CNS (CCNS)

  • CCI CNS Perioperative Certification (CNS-CP)

  • CBUNA Certified Urologic CNS (CUCNS)

Can earning a degree improve my salary as a Clinical Nurse Specialist?

Yes, advanced education often opens new career paths that usually lead to higher salaries. Clinical nurse specialist may benefit financially from pursuing a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).

Where can I learn more about working as a Clinical Nurse Specialist?

Take a look at Vivian's Clinical Nurse Specialist Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.